9a: Testing the hypothesis part 2

9A:  Testing the Hypothesis Part 2

Interviews:

1.     Grandfather: When pitching the idea to my grandfather, he was interested in the idea, but claimed he had bought a hanging extension for his bedframe that had a cup holder as well as remote holder, etc. He said that most of the time he spent at home was in his bed and that would really be the only place he’d need a device to prevent spilling, and that he already had one.

2.     Yael (friend’s mother): As the former owner of a premium paddle board company, Yael had more to add onto the idea, as well as where it wouldn’t work. In water sports, rocking back and forth isn’t unusual. She said that making a suction koozie would be great for surfers, and paddle boarders, who spend a lot of time on their boards in a single use. However, she developed and sold boards with built in cup holders, as many water sports devices, including boats and jet skis, have already. If I wanted to advertise to this group, it would a very small market.

3.     Justin (close friend and dog owner): After pitching the idea to my friend, he liked how enthusiastic I was, but wasn’t buying into it. As the owner of a small dog, he didn’t see the dog as a problem. He also wasn’t going to admit to that inevitable event of knocking your cup over on your own.

4.     Uncle Dirk: As the father of two small boys, I thought it would a good idea to get his feedback on the product. His response was that he can get covered sipping-cups for such a low price from any store. They prevent spills and, because they’re so cheap, he doesn’t have to worry about breaking them or anything, as well as them being dishwasher safe. However, when I asked about adults, he thought it was a great idea, seeing as most adults don’t want to drink from a cup made for children.

5.     Mickie (close friend and dog owner): As the owner of a large dog, same breed as my own, I thought her feedback on pet application would be good. She stressed the idea of training your dog to be more cautious around the living room table, and when that isn’t possible, just move your cups to the center.

Inside:	Outside:
Who’s In? Owners of large dogs (or curious cats) that knock your drinks over onto your table. Humans who make the clumsy mistake, whether in the living room or bedside table, to knock their drink over.	Who’s Not? Most athletes, or outdoorsman, who have alternatives to a separated koozie for their drinks. People who refuse to admit to the mistake of knocking their drink over.
What the need is? To prevent the spilling of drinks to protect furniture, electronics (or other valuables), or to conserve the remainder of your drink when it isn’t readily available. (a cupholder that can be applied to any surface).	What the need is not? An ordinary cupholder because they have already been built into many objects and vehicles.
Why it exists? People don’t want to damage their products or waste their time cleaning up a problem that could be easily avoided.	Alternative explanations? People don’t want to admit to their clumsiness, and also would rather buy existing products that they know would work.